COUNSELING SERVICES FOR PARENTS
Helping parents connect with their teens through the art of listening.
The ability to listen fully and without judgment allows your teen to feel understood and gives them the opportunity to truly connect and thrive.
THE DISTANCE HURTS
You want to connect with your teen and be there for them, but you feel like they're pushing you away.
Unsure how to break this barrier?
You’re in the right place.
Your teen may feel like you don't understand or know how to listen to them as they navigate the struggles of adolescence.
Rest assured—listening is an art and a skill that can be learned.
Learn how to better connect with your teen so you can enjoy a supportive and loving relationship with them.
Connection
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Presence
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Geniuneness
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Connection ∙ Presence ∙ Geniuneness ∙
Hi, I’m Irene,
The Listening Counselor
I’m Irene Hernandez, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with teens and families.
I strongly believe that non-judgmental listening and presence gives humans the opportunity to connect and thrive. Nothing fills me more than giving another person the secure space they need to explore their feelings.
My goal is to teach you how to listen to your teen — so you can become their first source of comfort and guidance.
I give you the tools you need to
✓ Learn how to listen without reacting
✓ Be present in a conversation
✓ Strengthen the bond with your teen
“Irene’s support has been fundamental. She always listens to us and gives us consistent guidance so we know how to handle the emotional states of our daughter.”
— HAPPY CLIENT
How we can work together
The Hear Group Program
GROUP PARENT PROGRAM
You don't have to figure this out alone. This small group program was designed for parents who want more openness, more understanding, and a relationship with their teen they actually enjoy.
We begin with a private 15-minute session, just you and me, so I can understand your specific situation. From there, we move into two group sessions where you'll learn, share, and grow alongside other parents who get it.
Programs run on set dates — reach out to check upcoming availability.
The Hear 1:1 Session
INDIVIDUAL PARENT SESSION
This is your space. 60 minutes dedicated entirely to understanding your teen, improving how you communicate, and building the kind of relationship where they actually come to you.
Together we'll work through the struggles you're facing — in understanding, communicating, and relating to your child — and I'll guide you through my proven process to start strengthening that relationship, one session at a time.
How will I teach you to listen?
Through The HEAR Method™.
A method I developed and have used for the past 10 years in my sessions. It’s proven effective in making teenagers feel validated and understood by the adults in their lives.
What happens when you listen to your teen…
What teens have to say:
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"I understand myself better."
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"It helps me feel like I have options."
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"It alleviates the pain in my mind."
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"I don't feel judged."
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"I don't feel pressured."
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"I feel calm."
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"I feel I can trust others."
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"I feel validated."
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"It helps me question myself and analyze my thoughts."
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"It helps release stress that I'm carrying."
“Irene has taught us how to be there for our son when he doesn’t want to talk or share with us.
She’s taught us that we don’t always have to speak, instead by just being present, he feels supported and not pressured.”
— HAPPY CLIENT
MY COUNSELING VALUES
What’s most important to me in my work:
PRESENCE
I care about others genuinely and feel empathy when I listen. I believe that we can have a strong calming effect on someone else by the way we listen to each other, the tone of voice we convey and the words we use to respond. Attunement has long-lasting effects and by being present for our teens, we can help them feel like a situation is tolerable.
CONNECTION
Humans are wired for connection and need to feel valued, seen and heard in order to thrive. Feeling like we matter to someone increases the sentiment of belonging and lowers feelings of shame. We need each other to survive and I believe that by holding space for each other, we create a sense of belonging and companionship.
GENUINENESS
Being authentic, sincere and true to myself allows me to instill a sense of trust in others. I believe that by being genuine, I open the door for people to turn to me when they’re in need. Teens pick up on sincerity right away, and connect with adults who embody this.
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